BASINGSTOKE and North Hants looked to be heading for a shock win over the visiting league leaders Bashley (Rydal), before a ninth wicket partnership took the game away from them.

Having won the toss the Bountymen elected to bowl in blustery conditions at May’s Bounty.

It proved to be a good move as Chris Jolley (3-42) had opener Tom Jacques (3) caught by Ash Neal for six.

Brad Porteous then took a smart caught and bowled to send Alex Turner (3) back to the pavilion.

It then became 40-3 as Ben Walker (4) edged a ball to home wicket keeper Lawrence Benge as Jolley snapped up his second wicket.

Jolley struck again as he trapped Michael Porter (28) leg before and Keiron Wood had George Pardoe (12) caught by Joe Oates for his first ever Premier Division wicket.

Spinner Matt Thankachan then accounted for Tom Friend whose 35 from 33 balls included three sixes.

At this point Bashley were 92-6 and thanks to an Ash Neal run out and another Wood wicket the visitors were rocking at 107-8.

Enter tail enders George Wilson (45) and Bradley Currie (40) to rescue the situation and help their side to an all out total of 199, with Neal running both of them out.

The home side’s reply saw Wood (6) the first man out with the score on 22.

From here Currie (4-17) proved too hot for the home batters as he removed Richard Vinn and Porteous in quick succession.

Only opener Max Harsham (31) made it into doubles figures of the top six batsman, leaving the Bountymen slumped on 54-6.

For the second week running Joe Oates top scored with another half century.

However, he ran out of partners with last man Benge (20) the only other home player to make it into double figures and the pair put on 56 for the final wicket.

In the end Basingstoke were bowled out for 137 with Oates unbeaten on 56 which included 10 fours.

This Saturday, the Bountymen travel to Alton, knowing if they lose, they will almost certainly be relegated.